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Image of Calendula Denticulata plant at Google
Calendula denticulata is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae, which is also known by the common name field marigold. This family is native to central and southern Europe. These are the introduced species.
St. Hildegard of Bingen in the 11th Century dedicated the Calendula to the Virgin Mary and gave the flowers the name Mary’s Gold.
The name Calendula stems from the Latin kalendae, meaning first day of the month. This is because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year.
This genus is traditionally a culinary and a medical herb. They have been used in salads either fresh or dried. It is also used in coloring cheese.
Calendula extracts have properties that are:
- anti-viral,
- anti-genotoxic,
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-tumor (cytotoxic) activity
- immunomodulatory properties
It is used in:
- suspension or in tincture
- topically to treat acne
- reducing inflammation
- controlling bleeding
- soothing irritated tissue
- as cream or ointment
- treating radiation dermatitis
- abdominal cramps and constipation
- its flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects
Growing/Caring conditions for Calendula denticulate:
- This plant needs Full sun to partial shade to grow well.
- Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep.
- A spacing of 15-45cm (6-18″) should be there between plants.
- The plant grows well in Zone: 2-10.
- They are an annual in most places.
- Direct sow in early spring or Sow the seed in early summer.
- Put them right into the soil in your garden.
- One can also start them in seed trays.
- It is an easy way to start them and then transplant them.
- Put one or two of them in each tray.
- Fill the trays about two thirds full first.
- Once you have got them in the tray just barely cover them up about a half an inch.
- Then when you water them in mist them.
- Don’t use heavy pressure as it will just force the seeds back out.
- You can put a little cloth or piece of wet sheet on top.
- The water will just drip down or mist it.
- They will come up in the Summer time very quickly within two weeks.
- They will bloom through the Fall.
- Save the seeds in the Fall.
- Then restart them again in the Spring.
- Transplant the seedlings in April.
- While starting indoors, one should maintain darkness and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F).
- Germination occurs usually in 6-14 days.
- Supply bright light to keep seedlings compact.
- Calendula thrives in a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
- Pinch back young plants to encourage bushy growth.
- Occasional feeding is rewarded.
- Keep plants watered.
- Avoid overhead watering as plants are susceptible to mildew.
- Deadhead regularly to prevent self-sowing
Image of Aliceara plant at Google
Aliceara is one of the intergeneric hybrid species of the genus that belongs to the family of orchids. Aliceara, abbreviated Alcra. in the horticultural trade. It is the nothogenus for intergeneric hybrids between the orchid genera Brassia, Miltonia and Oncidium (Brs. x Milt. x Onc.).
It is classified as follows:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- (unranked): Angiosperms
- (unranked): Monocots
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Subfamily: Epidendroideae
- Tribe: Cymbidieae
- Subtribe: Oncidiinae
- Alliance: Hybrids
- Genus: Aliceara
Growing/Caring conditions for Aliceara
- Select a location which receives natural sunlight.
- Care should be taken that the location is not too hot.
- Indirect light is preferred in summer.
- Plant the orchid in the location.
- Water the orchid well.
- Care should be taken, not to overwater the orchid.
- Keep the orchid moist.
- Plant blooms in the fall to spring.
- Repotting annually is better for some orchids.
- Plant the orchid in a potting mix of mulch for tropical plants.
- Fertilize the orchid with plant food that is specific for orchids.
- Control the way roots get their oxygen because it is an important factor when they grow.
- This plant needs rich and fertile soil.
- This plant needs well draining soil.
- Add tree fern fibers (for small plants), several pieces of coarse fir bark, or sphagnum moss for draining.
- Dead growth and branches should be removed.
The following fungal and bacterial infections are known to attack the plant.
- Leaf spot is caused by Colletotrichum and Gleosporium
- Leaf blight – caused by Pythium
- Collar blocth – caused by Penicilium thomii
- Collar rot – caused by Sclerotium
- Orchid wilt – caused by Sclerotium rolfsli
To avoid the above, fungicides like Captan, Dithane, Agrosan and Ceresan are very effective.
- More than 32 diseases are known to occur on orchids with the most common are Cymbidium mosaic virus.
- All infected plants should be isolated to prevent spreading of the disease for avoiding.
- The most commonly reported insects pests on orchids are thrips, aphids, spidermite, soft scale, mealy bugs, orchid weevil, snail and slugs.
- They feed on tender young shoot, suck the sap and damage the young bud and shoot and also act as the carrier of different diseases.
- These can be controlled by effective insecticides like Parathion, Malathion, BHC, Aldrin, Dieldrin, etc. Metaldehyde has proved to be very effective in killing slugs and snails.
Image of Aerides Lour:Fox Brush Orchid plant at Google
Aerides which is also known as the Cat’s-tail Orchid or the Fox Brush Orchid is a genus of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae).
- subfamily Epidendroideae
- tribe Vandeae
- subtribe Aeridinae
It is a group of tropical epiphyte orchids which grow mainly in the warm low-lands of the tropics of Asia. The name means air plant. This genus is abbreviated Aer in horticultural trade.
There are 25 monopodial epiphytic species known in this genus. Its natural hybrid is Aerides × jansonii (Aerides falcata x Aerides odorata).
Growing/Caring conditions for Aerides
- Select a location which receives natural sunlight.
- Care should be taken that the location is not too hot.
- Indirect light is preferred in summer.
- Plant the orchid in the location.
- Water the orchid well.
- Care should be taken, not to overwater the orchid.
- Keep the orchid moist.
- Plant blooms in the fall to spring.
- Repotting annually is better for some orchids.
- Plant the orchid in a potting mix of mulch for tropical plants.
- Fertilize the orchid with plant food that is specific for orchids.
- Control the way roots get their oxygen because it is an important factor when they grow.
- This plant needs rich and fertile soil.
- This plant needs well draining soil.
- Add tree fern fibers (for small plants), several pieces of coarse fir bark, or sphagnum moss for draining.
- Dead growth and branches should be removed.
The following fungal and bacterial infections are known to attack the plant.
- Leaf spot is caused by Colletotrichum and Gleosporium
- Leaf blight – caused by Pythium
- Collar blocth – caused by Penicilium thomii
- Collar rot – caused by Sclerotium
- Orchid wilt – caused by Sclerotium rolfsli
To avoid the above, fungicides like Captan, Dithane, Agrosan and Ceresan are very effective.
- More than 32 diseases are known to occur on orchids with the most common are Cymbidium mosaic virus.
- All infected plants should be isolated to prevent spreading of the disease for avoiding.
- The most commonly reported insects pests on orchids are thrips, aphids, spidermite, soft scale, mealy bugs, orchid weevil, snail and slugs.
- They feed on tender young shoot, suck the sap and damage the young bud and shoot and also act as the carrier of different diseases.
- These can be controlled by effective insecticides like Parathion, Malathion, BHC, Aldrin, Dieldrin, etc. Metaldehyde has proved to be very effective in killing slugs and snails.
Image of Equitants plant at Google
Equitant Oncidiums is a species of the Oncidium genus of orchids belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. The miniature Equitant Oncidiums originated in the Caribbean.
They are easy to grow and are compact in size. These plants bloom more than once in a year. These come in many colors and shades. Their flowers have solid color, spotted or even barred.
Oncidium is abbreviated as Onc. in the horticultural trade. This genus is considered a complex and a difficult one. This genus was first described by Olof Swartz in 1800.
The name is derived from the Greek word “onkos” which means “swelling” and which refers to the callus at the lower lip. The species of this genus are epiphytes and lithophytes or terrestrials too. They are spread from northern Mexico, the Caribbean, and some parts of South Florida to South America.
Growing/Caring conditions for Equitants
- Select a location which receives natural sunlight.
- Care should be taken that the location is not too hot.
- Indirect light is preferred in summer.
- Plant the orchid in the location.
- Water the orchid well.
- Care should be taken, not to overwater the orchid.
- Keep the orchid moist.
- Plant blooms in the fall to spring.
- Repotting annually is better for some orchids.
- Plant the orchid in a potting mix of mulch for tropical plants.
- Fertilize the orchid with plant food that is specific for orchids.
- Control the way roots get their oxygen because it is an important factor when they grow.
- This plant needs rich and fertile soil.
- This plant needs well draining soil.
- Add tree fern fibers (for small plants), several pieces of coarse fir bark, or sphagnum moss for draining.
- Dead growth and branches should be removed.
The following fungal and bacterial infections are known to attack the plant.
- Leaf spot is caused by Colletotrichum and Gleosporium
- Leaf blight – caused by Pythium
- Collar blocth – caused by Penicilium thomii
- Collar rot – caused by Sclerotium
- Orchid wilt – caused by Sclerotium rolfsli
To avoid the above, fungicides like Captan, Dithane, Agrosan and Ceresan are very effective.
- More than 32 diseases are known to occur on orchids with the most common are Cymbidium mosaic virus.
- All infected plants should be isolated to prevent spreading of the disease for avoiding.
- The most commonly reported insects pests on orchids are thrips, aphids, spidermite, soft scale, mealy bugs, orchid weevil, snail and slugs.
- They feed on tender young shoot, suck the sap and damage the young bud and shoot and also act as the carrier of different diseases.
- These can be controlled by effective insecticides like Parathion, Malathion, BHC, Aldrin, Dieldrin, etc. Metaldehyde has proved to be very effective in killing slugs and snails.
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